Emergency services issues plea following arson attacks at schools

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and Staffordshire Police are asking residents to be on the look out for suspicious activity around schools in Uttoxeter following a spate of shed fires.

We have seen an increase in the number of deliberate fires in Uttoxeter specifically on school grounds which is extremely concerning. These fires could develop and become far more serious, endangering the buildings and posing a significant risk to life.

Station Manager John Kitchener

On December 9 emergency services were called to a shed fire at Picknalls County First School and on December 28 they attended a similar incident at Tynsel Parks First School. In both incidents the sheds were well alight when the crews arrived.

Station Manager John Kitchener said: “We have seen an increase in the number of deliberate fires in Uttoxeter specifically on school grounds which is extremely concerning. These fires could develop and become far more serious, endangering the buildings and posing a significant risk to life.

“These fires also take up valuable resources which could be used elsewhere to help someone in trouble. Please help us spread awareness of how dangerous it is to set fires and what a drain it is on the emergency services which can all be avoided. Fortunately no one was hurt in the most recent incidents but this could easily have been the case.”

Chief Inspector Jason Nadin, Commander for East Staffordshire Local Policing Team: “There were two shed fires at Uttoxeter schools in December. Each incident has been thoroughly investigated and we thank the public for their support and information. At the present time we are following a specific line of investigation but cannot disclose details. We would ask that if anyone has any information then please contact us on 101 or anonymously on Crimestoppers.”